Local arm wrestlers say the sport has much to offer

According to Alex and Jolene Clark of Waseca, the outcome of a typical competition-level arm wrestling match is determined in less than 20 seconds. The process of becoming a winner, on the other hand, can take years.

 

Alex, 35, and Jolene, 34, have been married for 15 years and have four children: Traehvon, 17; Makayla, 14; Vincent, 8; and Serenity, 6. Since discovering a passion for arm wrestling more than three years ago, the two have become avid about personal training and weight lifting, and have attended practices with groups across the southern half of Minnesota. They have gone to competitions not only in Minnesota, but occasionally in Wisconsin, Arkansas and Kentucky.

 

“We hear from a lot of people they had no idea arm wrestling is an organized sport,” observes Alex. 

 

“Well, it is. And it’s a lot of fun.”

 

“We seem intimidating,” admits Jolene. “But I promise, we’re nice.”

 

The couple recently attended state-level competition and came home with titles–Alex as third in his class with the left hand, and Jolene as second. Just over 120 men competed; there were three women.

 

The two explain that, although most people believe brute strength determines the outcome of a match, the sport is actually quite sophisticated, involving precise rules about positioning and technique, as well as fine-tuned adjustments and movements which can provide advantages “at the table.”

 

For example, arm wrestlers refer to a match as a “pull” because drawing the opponents’ arm forward away from their body reduces the leverage they can apply.

 

Matches are observed by two officials watching from opposite sides. The referees’ job is much more extensive than announcing the winner–the two watch for rule violations having to do with the competitors’ hand positions, certain types of movements or changes in stance, and more.

 

Those rules and expectations, as well as certain tips and warnings, are the reason arm wrestlers hold group practices, Alex and Jolene explain.

 

The two have hosted local practice sessions, using social media and word of mouth to invite any interested people to attend. In fact, the two have a session planned at noon on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Club ‘57. “We hope lots of people will come and learn more,” says Jolene.

 

Alex mentions that during his youth he enjoyed playing both basketball and football. “It was fun to get out there and test myself,” he remembers of competing in those team sports.

“But after I injured my knee, those just weren’t an option any more.” He mentions two surgeries and a feeling of still not having recovered his full ability. 

 

“Arm wrestling has given me the chance to be competitive again,” he says. “It’s a setting where I can test myself and still do well.”

 

For any who attend a practice, the two continue, there is no obligation, just an opportunity to learn more and try something new. “We start out gradually,” says Jolene. “We don’t want to overwhelm anyone by trying to tell them everything at once.”

 

“The funny thing about the practices,” says Alex, “is that they’re all about helping each other get better. We work together, we show each other what it takes to win.” The atmosphere, he continues, is nearly family-like.”

 

The same mood prevails at competitions. “Win or lose, we can face each other at the table, then have a friendly conversation about it afterwards,” he says. “The next thing you know, we might be repairing a car together like best friends.”

 

The long-term aspect of the sport, Alex mentions, has to do with personal workouts. “It’s not all about lifting weights,” he comments. “You’re working long-term to strengthen not only muscles, but even tendons and bones.” He says he uses resistance straps for many of his exercises, and even stops physical exertion altogether a few days before going to a competition. “I load up on carbs,” he shares.

 

As he tests himself against opponents, he says, he is able to evaluate how well his conditioning exercises have been working.

 

He and Jolene also mention there is a significant mental component to competitions. “You have to work on your own confidence,” says Jolene. “And maybe that helps you look more intimidating to your opponent.”